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Joseph Kellman Obituary


Kellman, Joseph 90; A Legend in Chicago Business and Chicago Philanthropy. Joe Kellman, a titan of the Chicago business community and a lifelong advocate for children and families in the North Lawndale community, died peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at his home in Texas. He passed away on his 90th birthday surrounded by his loving wife and family. Upon retirement in 2001, he and his wife LouAnne moved to Southern California, where they were residing at the time of his death. Joe Kellman was born on January 7, 1920, and grew in the North Lawndale community of Chicago. In the 9th grade, Joe was forced to drop out of school to work in his father's glass shop. After his father's death, he and his brother Morrie assumed ownership of the glass business until they dissolved their partnership in 1950. Morrie took over the manufacturing division, while Joe took over two small retail glass shops. Over the next 45 years, the shops grew into The Globe Group, the nation's largest privately owned auto glass replacement company. In 1999, Joe sold the company to Belron International. Joe's achievements in business were rivaled only by his charitable endeavors. He vowed never to forget his early beginnings, and he committed himself to serving youth and their families in the North Lawndale community. Because of Joe's interest in the sport of boxing, he founded the Archie Moore Gym in 1961 at 1512 South Pulaski in North Lawndale as an after-school boxing club for boys. Shortly after opening the gym, Joe realized that sports alone could not change the direction of a young person's life. He was often heard to say that "sports are a lure, not a cure." Boxing, while positive in its focus on discipline and physical skills development, did little to improve long-term life outcomes for youth in the community. In the mid 1960s, Joe, with the help of long-time friend and entertainer Buddy Hackett, transitioned the Archie Moore Gym into the Better Boys Foundation (BBF). BBF grew into a multi-faceted youth development agency through the creation and delivery of innovative programming that grew and evolved to meet the needs of the North Lawndale community. Even during times of great racial conflicts in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the community showed its trust in Joe's commitment to North Lawndale by electing him president of the Greater North Lawndale Conservation Commission, a community organization. Joe also fostered strategic fundraising alliances with area businesses that supported well-known events such as the NFL Player's Association Mackey Awards Dinner. Today, BBF serves some 800 boys and girls each year through licensed child welfare services and innovative out-of-school time programs. The agency's college scholarship program alone currently supports nearly 40 North Lawndale students in colleges, universities and vocational programs throughout the country. BBF operates out of a 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to allow each child who enters its doors to visualize a broader world and brighter future. The BBF Center was financed by the Joseph Kellman Family Foundation specifically for BBF and the children it serves. The new BBF Center opened in 2008 and represents Joe Kellman's 50-year commitment to the North Lawndale community. In 1988, Joe co-founded with corporate peers Vernon Loucks, Jr., the Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, and Fred Turner, the Chairman and CEO of McDonalds, the Corporate/Community Schools of America (C/CSA) on the west side of Chicago, the country's first corporate-sponsored school. A long-time advocate for public school reform, Joe's personal philosophy was that the failure of public education was the fault of the system, not of the child. His intent with C/CSA was to prove that the efficacy of common business practices could be applied to public schools to improve learning, even in the most underperforming schools. His experiment was successful. The Joseph Kellman Corporate/Community School in North Lawndale is now one of Chicago Public Schools' top performing elementary schools. Joe's work been recognized nationwide and earned him feature coverage in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Wall Street Journal, Ebony Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Newsweek, Reader's Digest, the CBS Evening News and ABC's 2020. His numerous awards and honors include an honorary PhD from National Lewis University; the first Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year Award given by Inc. Magazine, Ernst & Young, and Merrill, Lynch & Co.; the Raoul Wallenberg Award; a special award given by Parent Magazine; the national Glass Association's Community Service Award; Loyola University's Civic Award; and the American Red Cross Hero Award. In addition, he served on numerous charitable boards, community commissions, and business associations, including as the Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission (past President), the Illinois Racing Board (past Commissioner), Special Children's Charities, Business and Professional People in the Public Interest, and the National Glass Association/Auto Glass Industry Council. Along with his successful career in the glass business, his advocacy of and investment in the improvement of public education, and his passion for changing the direction of the lives of children in North Lawndale, Joe Kellman also bred his own racehorses and promoted every major boxing event in the city of Chicago over a 20 year period with his friend and partner Ben Bentley. His premiere racehorse was the famous Shecky Greene, a sprinter that went on to gain international fame by winning the Eclipse Award as 1973 Sprint Champion, the same year he ran in the Kentucky Derby and set the pace for Secretariat in his record run. Joe Kellman lived a long and fulfilling life that he shared fully with his family, friends, and those in need of a helping hand. Joe was predeceased by his daughter, Celia (Cissy). He is survived by his wife, LouAnne; his son, Jack Kellman and his wife Monique; his son Richard Kellman and his wife Lisa; his stepson Bill Suggs; his stepson Bruce Suggs and his wife Jeanne Cheng; his grandchildren Robert Saxner, Cindy DeMaio, Allison Cantrell, Colette Kellman, Jake Kellman, Olivia Kellman, Stephanie Kellman, Suzannah Suggs, and Kye Suggs; and his great-grandchildren Jaclyn DeMaio, Dylan DeMaio, Brooke DeMaio, Owen Saxner, and Maeve Saxner. Joe Kellman will be remembered always as a man of exceptional integrity who was committed to equity of opportunity for all people. A public visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Better Boys Foundation, 1512 South Pulaski Road in Chicago, Illinois. Valet parking will be provided. A private burial service has also been planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Better Boys Foundation, 1512 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois, 60623.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jan. 11 to Jan. 15, 2010.
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Condolences to the Joseph Kellman family, I was one of the former students of C/CSA and I would like to say thank you for sharing your dad, grandfather and husband with us, as I think back about all the experiences and exceptional people he exposed us to such as Gwendolyn Brooks coming to read to us in the basement of C/CSA, taking us to see Rosa Parks when she came to chicago and lastly giving us Christmas gifts from FAO Schwarz. I thank you Mr Joseph Kellman for all the great things you did for the children of the Westside.

Sirmarki Davis

School

October 31, 2023

Remember you always, on your birthday, for sure, hope you have found my Dad whereever you are in the universe...m

Martha Backer

Family

January 4, 2023

You would have been 100 now, miss you, we are keeping your memory alive on a family FB page, and hope you have met up with the souls of all of the others who have passed away. Thanks again for being part of our lives and doing it your way! Jan. 7, 2020

Martha Backer

January 4, 2020

I just sent you a letter and forgot to include my e-mail address.
Kathy Krack
[email protected]

Thanks again. We were both very lucky to have great Dads.

February 24, 2016

Feb.24, 2016

Hello to the family of Joseph Kellman. My very belated condolences on the passing of you father. My name is Kathy Rasi Krack and I've been doing my families ancestry for 4 years now. I was thrilled to discover that my father, Frank M. Rasi worked for your Dad at Globe. What really excited me was finding a patent in both their names for the window regulator. I went back to his resume and it states there are 4 more patents. I have tried for days to find them without any luck. I was thinking that maybe there would be some mention of them in you Dads business accomplishments. He worked with your Dad from 9/15/48 to 8/8/53 at both plants. I remember meeting my Dad at the plant before going to the Sport Show. Your Dad even shook my hand. I am so glad these 2 kind, giving men were friends. I greatly appreciate any help you can give me.
Sincerely,
Kathy Krack

February 24, 2016

Hello, Jackie
I saw that your dad had passed away 2 years too late, but please accept my heartfelt condolences on his passing. I'm not sure you remember me, but I'm sure you remember Rich Dzingel. Richard always told me that your dad treated him like another son, and you treated him as another brother. Before Richard passed away and during his final days, I remember that my front door bell rang and your dad had sent me the biggest flower arrangement I think I ever saw as a thank you for taking care of Richard in has final days. At the wake, he walked up to me and, although I had never met him personally, he put his arms around me and just held me, and the warmth and comfort I felt coming from him was undescribable. I wish I could have spoken to him one more time before his passing because I've thought of him often over the years. Blessings on you and your whole family.

Marisa Lord (Maselli)

November 2, 2012

To the Kellman Family, condolences to all. Joe Kellman is now with the person he loved. Met him through my husband LAW.

Rosemarie Weitzman

August 1, 2012

Belated condolences to a great man. It's been a year and a half since his passing but I've been living outside the US for many years now and I'm only just getting the news.

I worked for Joe and his family from 1986 into the 90s when the Globe Glass Company moved from Fullerton Av. to downtown Chicago. He was a wonderful person.

I remember years ago picking Joe up from the airport after he had open heart surgery to fix a malfunctioning valve. I thought to myself what a strong man to come back from such an operation and pick up where he left off. Never missed a beat!

You are missed Joe.

Stephan/Steve Turner

June 26, 2011

I had the great opportunity to work with the Kellman Foundation and the BBB through the efforts of Linda Weikers. I found that Mr. Kellman was a one in a trillion when it came to service the good of the under privilaged. The chance to provide services for his foundation has server me through the years after.......Tim Lally

Tim Lally

February 24, 2011

I am a former student of Joseph Kellman School and i want to thank him for everything he did for me.

Diamond Jackson

October 17, 2010

God Bless Mr.Kellman, My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. They do not make them like Joe anymore. I live on the East coast so i only recently found out. Truly one of the most honest,straight forward men i've i ever met. He always treated me fairly. A great listener and story teller. Just a Great Great MAN. John Abraham (cindy's old boyfriend 80s-90s)

John Abraham

September 7, 2010

Hello, My name is Khalilah Maddox. I am so sorry about Joseph Kellman passing. I never knew him but I heard a lot of great things about him. I researched him on the internet and found out so many things about him. My daughter, Bakia Johnson attends Joseph Kellman Corporate Community School on the west side of Chicago and she was devasted when she heard about the news. I just would like to keep his family in my prayers. I would also like to thank Joseph Kellman for giving my daughter an excellent education. Not to many people that comes from low income families or live in bad neighborhoods can say that their children attended a school that cares about their kids and the level of teaching was higher than normal. My daughter is graduating 8th grade this year and I am sad to see her go from a great and wonderful School. If I could have met Joseph Kellman, the first thing I would have did is gave him a hug and tell him 'he is one of the greatest men that I ever knew and thank you for everything'.

Khalilah Maddox

June 9, 2010

THIS COMES AS A VERY LATE CONDOLENCE. I WAS VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF MR. JOE KELLMANS PASSING AWAY I TRULY UNDERSTAND AS IM SURE MY HUSBAND WOULD HAVE BEEN DEEPLY SAD AT HIS PASSING. MR. HOLICE BLACK PASSED AWAY JUNE 7, 2005. I RECALL THE NIGHT WE WERE AT MR. KELLMANS BIRTHDAY PARTY AND BUDDY HACKETT WAS IN ATTENDANCE. IT WAS A VERY NICE AFFAIR AT THE HOTEL WERE MR. KELLMAN GAVE US HIS SUITE FOR OUR HONEYMOON. AGAIN MY UTMOST CONDOLENCES TO THE KELLMAN FAMILY. EVELYN BLACK. [email protected]

March 17, 2010

Jack, So sorry to hear about your father's passing. My father spoke highly of him. I remember how charming he was.

Susan Penn Shaf

January 27, 2010

Jack,

I was unaware of all the wonderful things your father had done for the youth of Chicago - may it continue in his honor. My hearfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Katie McVicker

January 22, 2010

Was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing and being unable to give my condolances
personally to the family. He was a stellar personality with a fabulous sense of humor and a generous spirit.My
sympathies to all his family.

Peg Lombardo

January 20, 2010

Hi Jackie,
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family on your tremendous loss. I so vividly remember sitting around my mother's diningroom table with Uncle Joe, Uncle Charlie, the Blumenfelds, the Blumins, the Schaffers and the Corenblums, laughing till we cried. One time, he hid my mother's Turkey on Thanksgiving, and she couldn't find it when she was ready to serve. We were one big Florida family and we loved your Dad, sooo much. We will miss him, but will never forget him and the joy and teachings that he brought us on his Miami visits. Love and sympathy to all, Ellen

Ellen Osman

January 18, 2010

Jack:
I was so sorry to hear about your father.I can still remember all the great Buddy Hackett stories you told all of us. My sincerest condolences to you and your entire family.

Lynne Holzman

January 16, 2010

Jack,

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm glad to have had chance to know Joe and be a part of the Globe Family.

John Pullano, Orlando, FL

January 16, 2010

LouAnne, Jack, Rick and all,
In Uncle Joe's extraordinary life, he touched the hearts of many and left the world a better place. Can't ask for more than that.....
My heartfelt condolences
Robbi Lewin Diem

January 16, 2010

I met my husband (EX) while working at Globe Glass 1971-73. Everyone seemed so afraid of Joe, but I thought he was a very kind gentleman. I'm glad he had such a long and happy life. Now he can see his horse again. My condolences to the family.
Cathy Fabin (Johnson)

Cathy Fabin(Johnson)

January 16, 2010

My sincere sympathies to the entire Kellman family. I grew up hearing the names of Morrie and Joseph Kellman as my father worked for Globe Glass from 1952 thru 1974. I met him as a small child and he was always a 'larger than life figure' to me since he was my father's boss. Our home always had glass and mirrors in it, and I still have some of those pieces in my home today.
God Bless, Mr Kellman!

Carol Budz

January 15, 2010

Lou Anne and Family,
I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Kellman. Though I did not have an opportunity to know him well or work directly with him, from talking with people and hearing about all of his great work, his humor and his compassion for others, it is evident to me that his spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of all those he helped and encouraged throughout his wonderful life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Cindy Weis - Chicago, IL

Cindy Weis

January 15, 2010

What a GREAT GUY,
He had a GREAT LIFE
And left a GREAT GIFT

ROBERT A.. SAIGER

January 15, 2010

HI Jackie...I often wondered what I would say to you when this day came to pass. Joe was my toughest critic and my biggest booster at a time when I was just learning how to be a man.
He opened doors for me that were unheard of for young men like myself in a time when color mattered more than competence. I learned the art of speech writing and public speaking under Joe's demanding mentoring. Those skills have served me well.
Who could forget the back of that ever present envelope. His scribbled notes seemed to always record something you and I had forgotten to do.
But ever so often he would show the tender side. Like the day we brought Baby Ricky home from the hospital. He was beaming with pride but the jokes were still flying among us.

He told me once,,"Always throw the right cross over the other guy's left jab in the ring and in life".

Best Wishes to the rest of the family,


Warner

warner saunders

January 15, 2010

Cindy Saxner Demaio: I know Papa Joe was a father to you, not just a grandfather. He always did things "his way"! May he watch over you from Heaven as he always did in Chicago! ILU, BFF...Cindy#2

Cindy Laser

January 14, 2010

Lou Anne and Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. His obit was beautifully written and brings back so many fond memories! Thanks to Mr. Kellman, I have never had a weight issue since he told me I looked fat in a certain skirt while visiting from college!! Love to ALL of you!!! Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us. xoxo Roberta (Lazar) Hansen and Family

January 14, 2010

Mrs. Kellman & Family please except my heartfelt condolences. It gives me great pleasure and makes me proud to be part of the dream of such an auspicious man. One of your faithful employees.

Marie Beasley

January 14, 2010

Joseph Kellman a loving hardworking legend who cared enough to give so many african american children in the lawndale community an equal opportunity to a beautiful education. You will be missed.
Brenda Peoples, Pre-school teacher at Joseph Kellman School - Chicago

Brenda Peoples

January 14, 2010

With Heart felt sympathy to the Kellman family, Mr. Kellman was one of a kind, and as many others remember his song "I did it My way" he did and enjoyed every minute, GOOD BY MY FRIEND.

George Mizia

January 14, 2010

Dearest Jack and Monique, We hope you find comfort in knowing how special your Father was to so many people. He will live in your hearts forever. We love you.

David and Rose Lloyd

January 14, 2010

Heart felt sympathy and appreciation for a life well lived and a job well done. Joseph Kellman leaves us an incredible legacy of community service. May the family find peace and comfort in knowing that the community will long appreciate the many programs and services he has left our children and youth.

Smith Family of Tripp Avenue

Clara Smith

January 14, 2010

Mrs. Kellman & Family,
Please accept our condolences. After reading the obituary, we wish we could have known Joe. I hope you'll find comfort in the legacy he left and all the wonderous things he was able to achieve and that he lived a long life.

Michaela's family from Romania

January 13, 2010

Mrs. Kellman & Family,
Please accept our condolences.After reading the obituary, we wish we could have known Joe.I hope you'll find comfort in the legacy he left and all the wonderous things he was able to achieve and that he lived a long life.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Michaela's family from Romania

Calin Sebastian

January 13, 2010

To the Kellman Family. I would like to extend my sincere condolences. While I never met Mr. Kellman personally,I thank God for his vision and generosity for our school and the North Lawndale community. Delicia Brady (Kellman School staff)

January 13, 2010

Mrs. Kellman & Family... I am the Reading Specialist at the Kellman Corporate Community School and I was very saddened to hear that Mr. Kellman had passed away. While I never had the personal pleasure of meeting Mr. Kellman, I have heard of his passion for "our" students and all children; and his benevolent acts won't soon be forgotten in the hearts of our children, administrators, and staff. God Bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow!

Patricia McFall, Reading Specialist @ Kellman School

January 13, 2010

To the Kellman Family. I would like to extend my sincere condolences. While I never met Mr. Kellman personally,I thank God for his vision and generosity for our school and the North Lawndale community. Delicia Brady (Kellman School staff)

Delicia Brady

January 13, 2010

Mrs. Kellman & Family... I am the Reading Specialist at the Kellman Corporate Community School and I was very saddened to hear that Mr. Kellman had passed away. While I never had the personal pleasure of meeting Mr. Kellman, I have heard of his passion for "our" students and all children; and his benevolent acts won't soon be forgotten in the hearts of our children, administrators, and staff. God Bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow!

Patricia McFall, Reading Specialist @ Kellman School

January 13, 2010

To the Kellman family.
I would like to take this time to thank god for sending such a heavy-hearted angel to the North Lawndale Community. I've lived in the community all my life and never had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of Better Boys Foundation. I currently have 3 children attending the center and if if wasn't for Joe, I have no idea what would have become of my children. Thank you God for allowing this wonderful angel to be part of North Lawndale Community.

Our prayers goes out to your family.

The Smith and Minaird Family,
Joe Minaird,
Jazlynn,Justin,Anissa, Steve, Lucille, and Eugene Smith

Anissa Smith

January 13, 2010

Dear Jack & Family, Saddened to hear about your father. He was a role model and a man to look up to for all of us from the old neighborhood.

Arnie Wulfstat

January 13, 2010

Facebook in heaven? I don't know for sure Joe , but if and when this note and our prayers reach you , I just wanna say goodby and thanks for being "hard but fair" steven(miami)

steven kaplan

January 12, 2010

To LouAnne and the rest of the Kellman family we extend our sincere condolences. Joe was the true meaning of the word "gentleman" who made everyone he met fall under his spell. His good works will live on and serve as testament to a life well lived. We feel fortunate to have known him and to have experienced his generosity. He will certainly be missed.
Jonathan, Matthew and Jackie Brandstein

Jackie Brandstein

January 12, 2010

Please accept our condolences. We will always have fond memories of Uncle Joe.

Marc Stahl and Ellen Ahern, Jeff and Noreen Stahl, and Traci and Oren Arieli

January 12, 2010

To Jack & Ricki
My condolences to both of you & your families. I know he will be missed, just hold on to the memories which keeps you going.
Barb (Red) Fine

Barbara Fine

January 12, 2010

To Lou Anne and the Kellman Family:

May God comfort you during this time in your life. My prayers are with each of you. Take care, God Bless and KEEP THE FAITH!

Hon. Darron Bowden

January 12, 2010

To me he will always be Uncle Joe.
Again my condolences to the whole
Kellman family.

Judy Lewin

January 12, 2010

My condolences to the Kellman family. It was my pleasure and honor to work for Mr. Kellman at Ttler & Hippach Glass. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Bill Swanberg

January 12, 2010

Lou Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the passing of Mr. Kellman.

"Life should not be a methodical journey to the grave with the goal being sure, safe arrival in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, flute of champagne in hand, screaming "What a Ride!"

May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Carol Weil (BBF Staff, 1983-91)

January 12, 2010

Jack and family
Sorry for your loss my old friend.The thing I remember most about your dad was his great sense of humor.
Love,Davy Stein

David Stein

January 12, 2010

Dear Lou Anne,
I am so proud to have known Joe and to have celebrated many of his memorable birthdays with him.
He was always special to me and most assuredly to Len (Sacks). Perhaps they will reunite in heaven.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire family.
Love and blessings,
Dorothy

Dorothy Steinmetz

January 11, 2010

The Ron Burns family of New Braunfes, Texas want to offer our sincere condolences to the entire Kellman family. I have so many fond memories of working for Globe/U.S. Auto Glass over the years, and still miss the Kellman family. May GOD bless you in the days ahead.

Ron Burns Family

Ron Burns

January 11, 2010

Jack,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad give me my start in the auto glass business.

Chuck Bibbiano

Chuck Bibbiano

January 11, 2010

Having grown up on Jarlath Street, I can only use one word to sum up Mr. Kellman, mensh!

Dr. Robert Wolin

January 11, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the Kellman family. As President of the NFLPA I went to Joe to lend our services to the BBF NFLPA Awards Dinner and the children it serves. Joe did so much for the children at the BBF. It was an honor to learn from the best. Joe and Buddy Hackett taught me how to be funny…I think?

I had three mentors in my life. The President of Yale, Bart Giammati, Coach, George Halas, and Joe Kellman.

God Bless, Joe.

Mike Pyle

January 11, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the Kellman family. As President of the NFLPA I went to Joe to lend our services to the BBF NFLPA Awards Dinner and the children it serves. Joe did so much for the children at the BBF. It was an honor to learn from the best. Joe and Buddy Hackett taught me how to be funny…I think?

I had three mentors in my life. The President of Yale, Bart Giammati, Coach, George Halas, and Joe Kellman.

God Bless, Joe.

Mike Pyle

January 11, 2010

My condolences to the Kellman family on your great loss. I worked for Globe Glass during the 80's and Mr.Kellman gave me a lifelong career in the glass business.

Thomas Hiebel

January 11, 2010

Cindy,

I'm very sorry and please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Grandfather. He was a great man and I know you were extremely close. I know you will miss him dearly and I know his memory will give you comfort.

Rob Goshen

January 11, 2010

To LouAnne and the Kellman family, I offer my condolences. I knew Mr. Kellman for many years since I worked at the Tyler & Hippach Glass Company and made his acquaintance at that time. He certanly spearheaded that company into a leader in the glass and glazing industry, amongst his many other valuable contributions to the Chicago community.
Bobbie Rovner (Des Plaines, IL)

January 11, 2010

Barbara & Alan Merkin send our condolences to the entire Kellman Family. Mr. Kellman improved and enriched so many lives and was respected and admired by all! What an extraordinary man!! We were truly lucky to have him in our lives. Love to all.

Barbara Merkin

January 11, 2010

I met Mr. Kellman through my association with Lou Anne Kellman and her phlanthropic efforts. Learning of his wonderful work with young people in Chicago is an inspiring story of generosity, spirit and hands-on involvement in helping others. My sincere condolences to Lou Anne and her family.

Jim Forst

January 11, 2010

Hi Jack, On the chance that you'll remember me, I wanted to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. It's always difficult and sad to lose a parent. I hope you'll find comfort in the legacy he left and all the wonderous things he was able to achieve and that he lived a long life. Tho I know it never seems long enough, I lost my Dad last year and he was 94. My thoughts are with you,

Devora Freeman

January 11, 2010

LouAnne and family, Our hearts go out to you. Joe was an amazing human being and leaves an enormous legacy of values and love. We wanted you to know we are thinking of you with deep condolences.

Dolores Kohl and Morry Kaplan

Dolores Kohl Kaplan

January 11, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to the Kellman family. After reading the obituary, I wish I could have known Joe. To Jack, Monique, Coco, Jake and Olivia - you were blessed to have had Joe in your lives! May he rest in peace.
Love,
The Peters family
Eden Prairie, MN

Jackie Peters

January 11, 2010

My condolences to the Kellman family. The world is less one generous man.

Kathy King

January 11, 2010

We were sorry to hear of Mr. Kellmans passing. Our condolences to all of the family. He was a great man and Know he will be missed by many, including my sister, Linda Weikers.
Tom and Kathy Boehm

Kathy Boehm

January 10, 2010

My Dad, Howard was Joe's nephew, and Uncle Joe was only six years older than him. Oh, the stories we heard about him from his sister Bella, my Grandma, who helped raise him, and saved his life, I think literally by his stories. Uncle Joe was fond of the Song, "I did it My Way" and he certainly did. The great business he built, his beautiful family, his friends, and how he's been there for his community of the Better Boy's Foundation, and the Schools, he was so proud of those as well as his Race Horses. And proud we were to be his family. Thank you to Lou Anne for making his life so special, and helping him do it his way. May his Memory be for a blessing.

Martha Kaplan Backer

January 10, 2010

To LouAnne, and the Kellman family, our deepest condolences, JK was a great man and taught us all how to enjoy our lives. He will be missed by so many and leaves a marvelous legacy for all to follow. Our deepest condolences, Arde and Marv Harris/ Glenview, Illiois

January 10, 2010

I join the many others who admired Joe Kellman for his unselfish concern for others
and his love of wife, family and friends. Muriel

January 10, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the Kellman family. I had the privilege of working for Globe/U.S. Auto Glass in the 1990s. In the auto glass industry, he was a visionary from introducing mobile service to recognizing the eventual dominance of insurance companies. Notwithstanding his business success, I believe that he would prefer to be remembered for his philanthropy and ability to make a difference for the underprivileged youth of Chicago; a tremendous legacy indeed.

John Galich

January 10, 2010

J K , thanks for the opprotunity to learn from a maven and a legend in the glass industry. I'll always remember our time together and the skills you shared with me. Frank Thomas / Phoenix, AZ

January 10, 2010

Joseph Kellman was my grandfather. My brother, sister, and I call him Popo we love him very much and will miss him very much!! He is an inspiration to Chicago and my memories of him will live on forever!! Miss you Popo!

Love your granddaughter,
Olivia Kellman

Olivia Kellman

January 10, 2010

My condolences to the Kellman family. It was my pleasure and honor to work for Mr. Kellman at Globe Glass. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Angie Anderson

January 10, 2010

My wife, Donna, and I extend our condolences to the Kellman family. I worked for Mr. Kellman's company from 1990 until 1998. He was a true "Chicago guy" who founded a great company that employed many and, thus, put food on the table every night for many, many families. In addition, he was quite generous in his charitable initiatives.

Donna and Michael Madden, Barrington, IL

Michael Madden

January 10, 2010

Nancy DeMaio Johansen and Jim Johansen express our deepest sympathy to the entire Kellman family. Joe was always comical and smart and was a joy to be around. His philanthropic endeavors are greatly admired by everyone who knew him. We will miss him but his legacy will live on forever.

Nancy DeMaio/Johansen

January 10, 2010

My deepest condolences and all my love to Joe's surviving relatives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rina Rothmann

January 10, 2010

My condolences to the entire Kellman family. I worked for Joe throughout the 90's and it was a honor and great opportunity to do so. Joe was a great man that touched many lives including mine. I'm honored to have known had him and had him in my life.

Pete Baldine

January 10, 2010

I'm one of Joe Kellmans nieces.I admired him very much. I worked for him back in 1970.
My condolences to the whole Kellman family

Love Judy Lewin

Judy Lewin

January 10, 2010

What a wonderful life! He lived a very full and rewarding life. We wish to express our sympathy to the family. We are friends of Rick and Lisa Kellman.
Sincerely, Barbara and Dale Vanderbilt

Barbara Vanderbilt

January 10, 2010

Our Uncle Joe/Brother-in-Law was a kind, wise and gentle person. He always made us feel better in any situation we were going through. Our condolences to our cousins/newphews Jack and Ricky, and to LouAnne who filled his life with happiness. The Herman Kellman Family: Irene Kellman, Sue & Ed Stahl, Renee & Tom Carl, Rod & Janis Tison, Terry & Anita Kellman.

January 10, 2010

Dennis Demaio and Barbara Zawacki would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Kellman Family. Mr. Kellman was truly committed in helping the youths that live in the North Lawndale community of Chicago through the founding of the Better Boys Foundation. Mr. Kellman will always live in the many lives of the youths that he has touched over the years.

January 10, 2010

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